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PubMed2026

Effects of Family-Based Intervention for Childhood Obesity on Parental and Offspring Outcomes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Childhood obesity is a global public health issue with strong familial and intergenerational transmission. However, existing syntheses often overlook the active role of parents and fail to assess outcomes beyond the child. This systematic review and meta-analysis specifically investigate the effects of family-based interventions, which position parents as active co-agents of change, on health outcomes for both children with obesity and their parents. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted. Six databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) targeting children with obesity and at least one family member. Primary outcomes were children's BMI z-score and parental BMI; secondary outcomes included other adiposity measures and dietary behaviors. Outcomes for both children and parents were synthesized. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on intervention characteristics. Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2, and evidence certainty was evaluated using GRADE. RESULTS: Twenty RCTs with 1740 participants were included in the meta-analysis. The interventions demonstrated a significant reduction in children's BMI z-score. Additional benefits were observed for long-term BMI z-score and percentage of total body fat. The most effective interventions commonly integrate health education, behavioral strategies, and motivational support. Subgroup analyses indicated that interventions positioning parents as active co-participants, rather than mere supporters, yielded larger effects. However, no significant effects were found on parental BMI. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that family-based interventions can confer significant benefits for children with obesity. Their success hinges on strategically framing parents as active co-agents and integrating motivational strategies.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Effectiveness of a digi-physical tool and working method for paediatric obesity treatment in Abu Dhabi: a non-inferiority intervention study using an external historical comparator.

BACKGROUND: Effective paediatric obesity treatment requires high intensity, scalable interventions. A digi-physical tool for paediatric obesity treatment has shown positive results in Stockholm, Sweden. This study evaluates whether the same treatment method is effective in a different cultural setting. METHODS: This non-inferiority intervention study, using an external historical comparator, included 60 consecutively recruited children aged 6-15.9 years with obesity who initiated treatment at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi between June and December 2023. Patients were treated with Evira, a digi-physical tool and working method enabling high intensity individualized care, real-time monitoring, and interactive patient-clinician communication. The primary outcome was BMI z-score change at 26 weeks. Non-inferiority was assessed using a predefined margin of 0.10 BMI z-score, with outcomes compared to a prior published trial in Stockholm (n = 107). RESULTS: A total of 112 children were included in the analysis (Abu Dhabi cohort, n = 35; Stockholm cohort, n = 77). The adjusted mean change in BMI z-score was - 0.20 (95% CI: - 0.28, - 0.12) in the Abu Dhabi cohort and - 0.20 (- 0.26, - 0.14) in the Stockholm cohort (p = 0.88). Non-inferiority was confirmed, (predefined margin 0.10 was not exceeded). A clinically significant BMI z-score reduction (≥ 0.20 units) was achieved by 45.7% of participants in Abu Dhabi and 36.4% in Stockholm (p = 0.35). Non-retention rates at 26 weeks were 41.7% vs. 28.0%, respectively (p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide promising evidence that treatment outcomes achieved with the digi-physical treatment tool were comparable in the Abu Dhabi and Stockholm cohorts, supporting its feasibility in a second cultural and healthcare setting.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Associations Between Paternal Pre-Conceptional Body Mass Index and Lifestyle Factors and Offspring Weight Development.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that pre-conceptional paternal factors, including BMI and diet, may influence offspring development. OBJECTIVES: We examined the associations between paternal BMI, dietary protein intake, glycemic index (GI), smoking and alcohol consumption and offspring development during the first 5 years of life. METHODS: This secondary analysis of an RCT included 162 father-child pairs from pregnancies among women with pre-pregnancy overweight or obesity. Paternal characteristics were reported at gestational week 15, reflecting the preceding 3 months. Offspring anthropometry was measured at birth, 6 and 18 months, 3 and 5 years. Associations were examined using linear mixed models and linear regression models. RESULTS: No consistent associations were found between paternal characteristics and offspring outcomes from birth to 3 years. At age 5, higher paternal BMI was associated with higher offspring BMI z-score (β = 0.07 (CI: 0.03; 0.10)), fat mass index (β = 0.07 kg/m2 (CI: 0.02; 0.12)) and fat-free mass index (β = 0.05 kg/m2 (CI: 0.01; 0.08)). Lower paternal protein intake was associated with higher offspring BMI z-score (β = 0.54 (CI: 0.07; 1.01)) and fat-free mass index (β = 0.60 kg/m2 (CI: 0.13; 1.07)), while moderately higher protein intake was associated with higher waist-to-height ratio (β = 0.03 (CI: 3.00 × 10-3; 0.05)). Higher paternal GI was associated with lower offspring BMI z-score (β = -0.04 (CI: -0.08; -2.14-10-3)) at age 5. Smoking and alcohol were not associated with offspring outcomes. CONCLUSION: Paternal BMI was associated with offspring outcomes at age 5 years, while findings for paternal dietary factors were less consistent.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Prevalence and predictors of low bone mineral density in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVES: Bone health is at risk in children with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study examined the prevalence and predictors of low bone mineral density (BMD) in a cohort of children and young adults with IBD. METHODS: This single-center retrospective study included patients with IBD, ages 3.5-22 years, with completed dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans from 2006 to 2019. Demographic, clinical, and laboratory data were collected. Logistic regression analysis identified predictors associated with low BMD (Z-scores ≤ -2 standard deviations [SDs]) for three outcomes. In an overlapping IBD cohort with available genetic data between 2002 and 2019 (n = 378), genetic risk for diminished bone health was calculated using published polygenic risk scores generated from genome-wide association studies based on DXA or heel ultrasound speed of sound (SOS). Linear regression analysis examined associations of low BMD and genetic risk. RESULTS: Low BMD prevalence was 7% in our cohort (n = 600) based on spine bone mineral apparent density (BMAD), which best accounts for growth delays. Median (interquartile range [IQR]) spine BMAD Z-score was -0.37 SD (-1.11 to 0.35). Predictors of low BMAD included lower BMI Z-score (odds ratio [OR]: 0.67, p value: 0.02) and decreased height Z-score (OR: 0.6, p value: 0.005). Of those with longitudinal data (n = 118), low BMI (OR: 0.44, p value: <0.001) and steroid use (OR: 3.42, p value: 0.01) were associated with suboptimal bone health (Z-scores ≤ -1SD). In the cohort with genetic data, heel genomic SOS (β [standard error] = 0.17 [0.35], p ≤ 0.01) was associated with BMD. CONCLUSIONS: Lower BMI should prompt DXA monitoring in pediatric IBD. Genetic predisposition may identify an at-risk subpopulation.

Humans↗

PubMed1995

Iron and zinc status of young women aged 14 to 19 years consuming vegetarian and omnivorous diets.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the iron and zinc status of young females, aged 14 to 19 years, consuming vegetarian and omnivorous diets. METHODS: Dietary intakes (via 3-day weighed food records), BMI, and laboratory indices of iron and zinc status were compared in a convenience sample of 79 lacto-ovo-vegetarians (LOV), 16 semi-vegetarians (SV), and 29 omnivorous (OM) females. RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent LOV, 44% SV, and 17% OM had low iron stores (i.e., plasma ferritin < 12 micrograms/L); only 3% had anemia. As well, 24% LOV, 33% SV, and 18% OM had serum zinc < 10.71 mumol/L and 14% LOV, 14% SV, and 17% OM had hair zinc < 1.68 mumol/g. Intakes of iron and ascorbic acid from the weighed food records were associated with serum iron (p < 0.04) and total iron binding capacity (negatively; p < 0.02), respectively, whereas Phy:Zn molar ratios were associated with serum zinc (negatively; p < 0.04). Z-scores for BMI were associated with serum zinc (p < 0.02) and diet type (p < 0.001); serum AP activity was associated with age (p < 0.0001) and oral contraceptive use (p < 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Suboptimal iron and zinc status was attributed to low intakes of poorly available iron and zinc in all dietary groups.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Growth hormone secretion in normal prepubertal children: importance of relations between endogenous secretion, pulsatility and body mass.

OBJECTIVE: Although a negative relation between GH secretion and body mass has been described, few studies have been carried out in prepubertal subjects of normal weight and height. The aim of the present study was to examine the relations between GH secretion, pulsatility and body mass throughout the wide range of weights in normal prepubertal children. METHODS: We determined integrated GH concentrations during the day (IC-GHD), night (IC-GHN), and 24 hours (IC-GH24) in 46 prepubertal children (26 males, 20 females) of normal height and growth velocity and with a Z-score (BMI-SD) between +2 and -2 SD. In addition, in 28 of these patients randomized by their BMI-SD, the secretory profile was studied by the Pulsar program: area under curve (AUC), peak number (NP), high spontaneous peak of secretory profile (HSP), and area of pulses (AP) which were considered large (L) or small (S) if their amplitude was greater or less than 4 micrograms/l (8 mU/l). RESULTS: BMI-SD correlated negatively with IC-GH (IC-GHD, IC-GH24, r = -0.58, P < 0.001) and with Pulsar parameters r = -0.48, P < 0.001; IC-GHN, r = -0.45, P < 0.001; (AUC-24, r = -0.73, P < 0.0001; HSP, r = -0.65, P < 0.0001). The NP correlated negatively with BMI-SD (r = -0.51, P < 0.005) at the expense of NLP (r = -0.54, P < 0.003) without being significantly correlated with NSP. This inverse correlation between BMI-SD and NLP was greater during daytime (NLDP, r = -0.60, P < 0.001) and was not significant at night. NSP did not correlate with BMI-SD. A similar relation was observed with respect to pulse area (ALP, r = -0.38, P < 0.05; ALDP, r = -0.46, P < 0.02;) and was not significant for ALP during the night or for ASP in any period. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that it should be necessary to relate GH secretion to body mass in prepubertal children before defining their secretion as normal or pathological.

Body Mass Index↗

PubMed1995

Micronutrient status of the besieged residents of Sarajevo: May 1993.

OBJECTIVE: To assess micronutrient status indices in blood and plasma of subjects subjected to siege conditions. DESIGN: Whole blood and serum samples were taken from subjects, sampled from 30 clusters in four Municipal Areas of Sarajevo. The blood samples were flown, under appropriate refrigeration, to the UK for analysis. SETTING: The study was conducted in besieged Sarajevo and laboratory analyses were carried out at Department of Clinical Chemistry, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and at Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland. SUBJECTS: 202 subjects, aged from 1 to 82 years were included in the sample. INTERVENTIONS: Serum folate, ferritin, transferrin, retinol, retinol-binding protein, beta-carotene, alpha-tocopherol, 25-hydroxycholecalciferol, C-reactive protein, haemoglobin and mean corpuscular volume of blood were determined. Micronutrient status was assessed by comparison with a range of values derived from multinational data sets from both pathologically malnourished and normal subjects. RESULTS: Haemoglobin, ferritin, folate, retinol and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol levels were lower in the Sarajevan sample than in normal reference populations. Serum alpha-tocopherol was low in children and adolescents while a low beta-carotene level probably reflected the scarcity of green vegetables. No consistent evidence of protein/energy deficits were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Data for retinol binding protein and transferrin, when considered in association with BMI and Z-score data, provided no significant evidence of protein-energy undernutrition. However, the prevailing food aid rations failed to maintain adequate reserves of several micronutrients, particularly iron, folate and vitamin D. The significance of low values for serum retinol and beta-carotene and of low serum alpha-tocopherol in children must be investigated further.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2026

Complementary feeding patterns in preterm and term infants.

Complementary feeding is essential for infants' nutritional status and development, marking the transition to solid foods when breast milk or formula alone is insufficient. Despite its importance, clear recommendations on which foods to introduce when initiating complementary feeding in preterm infants are lacking. By using data from our previously published randomized controlled trial on the timing of complementary feeding in preterm infants, the current study explores the complementary feeding patterns of preterm infants and compares them with those of term-born infants, providing insights into parental decision-making and potential long-term health impacts. Complementary feeding practices differed significantly between preterm (n = 255) and term (n = 159) infants, with preterm infants more often receiving vegetables as their first solid food (85.4% versus 68.8%, difference 17.6% with 95% CI 12-35%). The group with early introduction of vegetables had a lower BMI-for-age z-scores (β -0.28 [95% CI -0.55 - 0.02]) and weight-for-height z-scores (β -0.27 [95% CI -0.53 to -0.01]) at two years of age. Additionally, preterm infants showed a greater variety in the numbers of different fruits and vegetables consumed by six months (corrected) age than term-born counterparts (8.29 (SD 3.65) versus 6.26 (SD 3.47), p < 0.001). These results indicate that complementary feeding patterns in preterm infants differ from term-born infants, with potential positive implications on growth. These data contribute to the development of accurate feeding protocols for preterm infants. Given that feeding practices are culturally influenced, further multinational research is essential to refine complementary feeding guidelines for preterm infants and support caregivers in informed decision-making.

Humans↗

PubMed2026

Predictors of Treatment Failure in Children With HIV Starting First-line Antiretroviral Therapy in the ODYSSEY Trial.

BACKGROUND: Data on predictors of treatment failure in children starting antiretroviral therapy (ART) are limited, particularly on dolutegravir-based regimens (DTG). METHODS: ODYSSEY demonstrated superior efficacy of DTG versus standard-of-care (SOC). We assessed predictors at ART initiation of treatment failure by 96 weeks. RESULTS: Three hundred and eighty-one children started first-line ART (82% African). At ART-initiation, median age was 10.5 years (IQR: 6.5, 14.0, 67 < 3 years), CD4% 20% (IQR: 12, 28), BMI-for-age Z-score -.58 (IQR:-1.48, +.25). One hundred and eighty-nine children started DTG, 192 started SOC (91% ≥3 years started efavirenz; 79% <3 years started lopinavir). Seventy-five children experienced treatment failure (24 DTG, 51 SOC). Failure risk was lower on DTG than SOC (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.47, 95% CI: 0.29-0.77, P = .002). Lower BMI-for-age Z-score (HR = 0.82 for each unit gain, 95% CI: 0.70-0.96, P = .01) and being at an African site (HR = 2.09, 95% CI: 0.82-5.31, P = .09) were associated with higher failure risk. Risk was also higher at younger ages with the steepest increase in the youngest children and increased at lower CD4%, with a stronger CD4% effect at younger ages. At CD4% = 20, HRs relative to age 10 years were 2.40 (95% CI: 1.58-3.65) at age 1 year, 1.30 (95% CI: 1.15-1.48) at age 5 years, and 0.80 (95% CI: 0.72-0.89) at age 18 years. At age 1 year, HRs relative to CD4% = 20 were 1.39 (95% CI: 1.16-1.66) at CD4% = 15, and 0.52 (95% CI: 0.36-0.75) at CD4% = 30; at age 10, corresponding estimates were 1.07 (95% CI: 0.94-1.20) at CD4% = 15, and 0.88 (95% CI: 0.69-1.13) at CD4% = 30. CONCLUSIONS: Young age, low BMI-for-age, and low CD4% at ART initiation predicted higher risk of treatment failure and can guide targeted support.

Humans↗

PubMed2025

Proteome organ aging and cardiometabolic risk in a population at risk for heart failure.

BACKGROUND: Biological aging varies across individuals and tissues, influencing chronic diseases, including heart failure (HF). Emerging proteome techniques enable quantification of organ-specific aging acceleration (OAA), but whether OAA relates to HF severity and differs by sex remains unclear. We aim to assess the sex-related association between OAA of heart, artery and kidneys and HF severity, and to investigate relevant cardiometabolic risk factors of organ aging. METHODS: In 556 participants from the HELPFul cohort, we estimated predicted biological age for heart, artery, and kidneys using plasma proteomics and calculated OAA as the deviation from chronological age. Associations between OAA and HF stage, echocardiographic parameters, and cardiometabolic risk factors were evaluated using regression models. Composite indices, including triglyceride-glucose body mass index (TyG-BMI), c-reactive protein-triglyceride glucose index and triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol ratio were assessed for associations with advanced OAA. RESULTS: Mean age was 63 ± 9 years; 65% were women. Patients were classified as HF stage A (35%), B (29%) and C/D (36%). Heart OAA was significantly associated with advanced HF (Stage C/D) in both sexes (OR = 1.12, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.23 in women; OR = 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.32 in men), while artery OAA was linked to HF only in women (OR = 1.10, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.18). Multi-organ aging (≥ 2 organs with advanced OAA) conferred over three-fold higher odds of being in Stage C/D. Heart OAA correlated with impaired cardiac structure and function, particularly reduced ejection fraction in men and increased left ventricular mass index in both sexes. Diabetes emerged as the most relevant factor of artery and kidney OAA. TyG-BMI was significantly associated with advanced kidney OAA, only in women (z-scored OR = 1.88, 95% CI 1.45 to 2.45). CONCLUSIONS: Proteome-derived organ aging correlates with HF severity, with possible sex-related patterns. Diabetes and higher TyG-BMI are associated with faster organ aging, which may reflect shared aging mechanisms between metabolic dysfunction and HF.

Humans↗

PubMed1993

Familial aggregation of subcutaneous fat deposits and the peripheral fat distribution pattern.

The familial aggregation of fatness into subcutaneous fat distribution was studied in a sample of 122 nuclear families with adolescent children. Subcutaneous fat thickness was measured using ultrasound images. Other variables considered were anthropometric measurements, body composition, and indices of relative fat distribution. The measurements were adjusted for age and body mass index (BMI), and the residuals were transformed to normalized z-scores by sex and age group. The z-scores were used to calculated intraclass correlations between all family members. The results show significant familial correlations for the fat deposits on the upper abdomen, triceps, calf, and subscapula. They also show strong familial aggregation for the level of fatness and ponderosity. However, the subcutaneous fat on the lower abdomen and the corresponding indices were closely related to the level of fatness, and were significantly correlated between sisters, and between mothers and daughters. These lower abdominal fat deposits are more likely to be influenced by environmental components such as diet and level of physical activity.

Adipose Tissue↗

PubMed1995

Nutritional correlates of frequency and length of breastfeeds in rural Bangladesh.

In this rural Bangladeshi sample of 165 mothers and their breastfed infants aged 5-23 months, mean maternal body mass index (BMI) was 18, and 12-month infant height-for-age z-scores (HAZ), -2.35. Structured observations were conducted over 6 months on 1649 breastfeeds during 3324 weekly daytime observations. Infants' and mothers' 24-h dietary recalls, weights, lengths/heights and mothers' arm circumferences were taken monthly. When plotted with age, infants' anthropometric z-scores, food energy, and minutes observed breastfeeding revealed three patterns in age periods: 5-12, 13-18, and 19-23 months. In periods one (breastfeeding high) and three (breastfeeding low), food energy increased with age, linear growth paralleled the World Health Organization (WHO) reference standard, and the children grew thinner. In two, (breastfeeding declining), food energy did not increase and growth stasis occurred. Longer observed breastfeeding accompanied in period one, low maternal arm circumference, low infant energy intake from complementary foods and infant shortness and plumpness in period two, infant shortness, thinness, and underweight; and in period three, infants energy and thinness. In conclusion, the paper suggests that growth stasis occurs primarily during the second period, which should have highest priority for culturally sensitive interventions.

Bangladesh↗

PubMed1996

GABA inputs control discharge rate primarily within frequency receptive fields of inferior colliculus neurons.

1. Recent studies have suggested that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inputs shape monaural and binaural neuronal response properties in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus (CIC). CIC neurons receive major inhibitory GABAergic projections from intrinsic, commissural, and extrinsic sources. Many GABAergic projections now are thought to arise from cells that are tonotopically matched to their CIC targets. 2. We tested the hypothesis that GABA circuits are aligned primarily within the CIC target neuron's excitatory response area and therefore have their greatest effects on discharge rate mainly within that frequency domain. GABA inhibition was examined by recording families of isointensity contours before, during, and after GABAA receptor blockade. Iontophoretic application of bicuculline-methiodide (BMI) was used to block GABAA receptors. Quantitative measures of frequency bandwidth and z-score analysis of discharge rate within the excitatory receptive field were used to compare pre- and postdrug conditions. 3. Chinchilla CIC unit response properties were similar to those described for other species, with a high percentage of phasic temporal response patterns and nonmonotonic rate-intensity functions in response to monaural contralateral characteristic frequency (CF) tones. Binaural responses of most CIC neurons showed suppression of contralaterally evoked responses by ipsilateral stimulation. 4. For 85% of CIC neurons, blockade of GABAA inputs was found to increase discharge rate within the excitatory response area. Forty-five percent were classified as near-CF changes and 32% as near-CF and low side. Changes in lateral/flanking inhibition in the absence of near-CF changes were never observed. Forty-one percent of CIC neurons displayed less than a 10% increase in frequency bandwidth at 25-35 dB above threshold with BMI application. 5. These data suggest that GABA inhibition arises primarily from neurons with inhibitory fields aligned with their CIC targets. Thus the effect of the inhibition is primarily contained within or overlapping each target neuron's excitatory response area. CIC GABAergic circuits may function to adjust the gain needed for coding complex signals over a wide dynamic range.

Animals↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Insulin resistance and excess weight in adolescent insulin-dependent diabetic girls.

Insulin dependent diabetic adolescent girls show a tendency towards excess weight. The relationship between insulin resistance and body mass index (BMI) was investigated in 23 Type 1 adolescents aged 13-20 yr. These patients body mass indexes spanned from 19.8 to 30.5. Excess weight was evaluated using Z-scores, corrected for age with reference to french standards. 9 patients with a Z-score greater than 2 were considered as obese. Insulin sensibility was measured using the hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp (insulin infusion rate, 1 mU kg-1 min-1). The mean glucose infusion rate during the clamp was low in the diabetic girls (2.29 +/- 1.35 mg kg-1 min-1), confirming the existence of insulin resistance. However, the degree of insulin resistance was not correlated with the excess in weight (glucose infusion rate, 2.23 +/- 1.24 vs 2.33 +/- 1.46 mg kg-1 min-1 in the obese and the non-obese patients, respectively). None of the factors which influence on insulin sensitivity could explain this lack of correlation, the obese patients showing greater daily insulin doses (1.36 +/- 0.22 vs 1.22 +/- 0.25 unit kg-1 day-1) and worse metabolic control (Hba1C, 10.9 +/- 1.4 vs 10.2 +/- 2.0%). Insulin resistance was significantly correlated with free fatty acid levels during the clamp.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1996

Effect of bone density of the head on total body DEXA measurements in 100 healthy Swedish women.

PURPOSE: The aims of this study were to examine the bone areal density of the head and how it varied in relation to the density of the rest of the skeleton, and with age, and body mass index (BMI). Our intention was to study the feasibility of excluding the head from the rest of the body, a method which might improve the fracture prediction power of bone mineral measurements. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bone mineral per area (BMA) and bone mineral content (BMC) (g) were determined in 100 consecutive female volunteers, aged 17 to 78 years, with total and partial body measurements. RESULTS: BMC of the head was found to be 20.2 +/- 2.2% of that for the total body. The BMA of the head was 2.38 +/- 0.21 times higher than that of the rest of the body. The correlation between the BMA of the head and the rest of body was significant (r = 0.73). The average change in z-score (referred to the same age group in our material) was 0.20 when the head was excluded from total body BMA. The BMA of a) total body, b) total body, head excluded, and c) head decreased with age. The BMA of the head was correlated to BMI in the older age groups (p < 0.01). The relative statistical uncertainty for repeated measurement of head BMA was 1.8%. CONCLUSION: The change of the bone density of the head with age and BMI, in comparison to that of the rest of the skeleton, suggests that when the head is excluded from total body BMA better predictive value for fracture risk is obtained.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

PubMed1995

Familial resemblance for anthropometric measurements and relative fat distribution among African Americans.

Obesity has emerged as a major public health problem in the African-American community and its determinants are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to examine familial patterns of the degree of heaviness and of regional fat deposits. Seven anthropometric measurements (height, weight, body mass index [BMI], waist and hip circumferences, waist-to-hip ratio and arm circumferences) were examined in a population sample of African-American nuclear families recruited from the Chicago area. Participants included 162 parent pairs and 114 sets of siblings (a total of 295 sons and daughters). Adjustments to correct for the effect of age and sex were performed separately for parents and siblings and the residuals were transformed to normalized z-scores to calculate intraclass correlations between family members. With the exception of waist-to-hip ratio, all variables showed positive familial resemblance, although the degree and level of statistical significance varied by type of relationship. Significant familial resemblance was observed for peripheral fat deposit, as measured by hip and arm circumferences (range: 0.04 for spouse pairs to 0.42 for daughter pairs), and obesity, as measured by BMI (range: 0.12 for spouses to 0.33 for mother-daughter comparison). Significant sex and generation differences were observed for height and hip. We conclude that African Americans exhibit significant familial resemblance for stature, degree of heaviness and regional fat deposits. Understanding the relative contributions of shared genes and shared environmental factors to the observed familial patterns could yield important insights into the origins of obesity in this high risk population.

Adolescent↗

PubMedDate not supplied

Distribution of BMI in children: prevalence of wasting and fattening conditions.

This paper reports a study of body-mass index (weight/height2) frequency distribution in 2858 schoolchildren (1440 males, 1418 females), 6-14 years old: (a) not taking into account the degree of skewness (z-score) and (b) taking it into account (LMS method by Cole). The z-score detected no evident problems of severe wasting conditions, but did detect the presence of severe fattening conditions. The LMS method gave a more balanced distribution. Methods that do not take into account the degree of skewness should be avoided in estimates concerning prevalence of wasting and stunting conditions.

Adolescent↗

PubMed1993

Low bone mineral density in adults with previous hypothalamic-pituitary tumors: correlations with serum growth hormone responses to GH-releasing hormone, insulin-like growth factor I, and IGF binding protein 3.

The adverse consequences of growth hormone (GH) deficiency (GHD) on bone growth in children is well described. Whether adult GHD is associated with bone loss is unknown. We evaluated 14 patients with hypothalamic-pituitary tumors (HPT) acquired during adulthood (5 men, 9 women; mean age = 48.1 +/- 4.6 years; mean BMI = 28.8 +/- 1.7) and 14 age-, sex-, and weight-matched controls. Nine HPT patients were receiving gonadal steroid replacement therapy for a mean of 11 years. All subjects had basal IGF-I and IGFBP-3 levels prior to testing with GH-releasing hormone [1 microgram/kg IV bolus; responses expressed as maximum percentage increase above baseline (PERGH)]. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the spine, hip, and total body were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Mean BMD Z-scores of the HPT patients were significantly lower in the femoral neck, Ward's triangle, and trochanter than in controls (all P < 0.05). Mean total body BMD (g/cm2) was also lower in the patient group (1.04 +/- 0.03 versus 1.13 +/- 0.03, P < 0.05). For the subgroup of HPT patients receiving conventional gonadal steroids, mean BMD Z-scores of the lumbar spine also were significantly lower than controls (-1.84 +/- 0.43 versus -0.57 +/- 0.46, P < 0.05). PERGH and IGF-I were correlated with Z-scores of the femoral neck (r = 0.47, P < 0.01; r = 0.45, P < 0.01) and Ward's triangle (r = 0.47, P < 0.01; r = 0.41, P < 0.05).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Absorptiometry, Photon↗